Summary : The Galapagos Islands live in the spirits and minds of those who love nature like nowhere else on Earth. Explore the wonders of the Galapagos Islands, where tortoises of dramatic proportions, superb birdlife and a unique undersea world abound amongst a sublime landscape of deserts, beaches, lush forests and volcanoes. Join an extraordinary journey aboard an intimate small ship voyage with great naturalist guides, ensuring an educational and fun adventure.

We strongly recommend two pre-cruise nights and one post-cruise night in Quito or Guayaquil. Please inquire about adding these or other services to your trip.

Zodiacs take you on a dramatic ride into the heart of a sunken volcano at Punta Vicente Roca. Take to the water, where you might swim and snorkel among sea turtles, penguins and possibly even sea horses. Explore the lava fields of Punta Espinosa, located on Fernandina, the youngest and most volcanic island in the Galapagos. Here you can spot flightless cormorants and marine iguanas. Whale watch from the Evolution’s open-air decks as you cross the Bolivar Channel.

Hike along the uplifted section of sea floor in Urvina Bay at the base of the Alcedo Volcano. Your naturalists point out the tortoises, colorful land iguanas and other wildlife that feed on the vegetation. Board Zodiacs for an excursion to Tagus Cove, where you look for penguins, flightless cormorants, and pelicans along the cliffs before a chance to snorkel and swim.

Visit Bartolomé Island, hiking to the top of a dormant volcano for a dramatic panorama, including famed Pinnacle Rock. The island is dotted with craters, cinder cones, lava flows, spatter cones and broken lava tunnels which run down from the summit. Your Zodiac drivers will take “non-hikers” for a ride around the cliffs, observing a stunning volcanic landscape and Galapagos penguins. Swim and snorkel with sea lions and maybe even speedy penguins. This afternoon, hike across the pahoehoe lava of Sullivan Bay, seeing some of the hearty flora colonizing the landscapes. Stroll along the coralline beach spotting black and white oystercatchers.

Walk along the white sands of Bachas Beach looking for Sally Lightfoot crabs, black necked stilts and whimbrels. Snorkel in the calm waters off the beach where sea turtles nest. Your afternoon is spent along the distinct red-sand beaches and cliffs of Rabida Island. While exploring this uninhabited island at the archipelago’s geologic center, watch for up to nine species of Darwin’s finches, doves, yellow warblers and mockingbirds. A small saltwater lagoon is home to white-cheeked pintail ducks and black-necked stilts. Snorkelers may take to the water with sea lions, sea turtles and reef fish such as damsels and pufferfish. During a guided kayaking excursion, watch for brown pelicans and blue-footed boobies while savoring views of the island’s sloping volcanic peak.

Begin your day in the forested highlands, with ample opportunity to see and photograph giant tortoises in the wild. Stop at a family run farm before learning about the work being done to study and preserve wildlife at Fausto Llerena Tortoise Breeding Center at the Darwin Research Center.

As the southernmost island in the archipelago, Española’s relative isolation has resulted in not only an abundance of unusual wildlife, but species and subspecies that are endemic to the island, such as Española mockingbird, Española racer snake, Española lava lizard, waved albatross and brightly colored marine iguanas. Enjoy a Zodiac ride before wading ashore to Punta Suarez through a sea lion colony. Walk along the cliffs looking for waved albatrosses, Galapagos hawks, Hood mockingbirds and the red-colored marine iguana en route to Española’s blowhole, where waves spout 90 feet into the air. After a relaxing lunch, swim, snorkel and kayak in the waters off Gardner Bay, or simply bring along your book or a camera and relax on the white sand.

This itinerary is subject to change. ExpeditionTrips.com is not responsible for itinerary changes.

Included: One pre-cruise and one post-cruise hotel night in Guayaquil; arrival/departure transfers (group flight only); shipboard accommodations and meals aboard ship; bottled water and snacks; English-speaking guides; educational program including lectures; use of snorkeling gear and wetsuits; kayaking. Subject to change without notice.

Not Included: International airfare; airfare to/from Galapagos Islands; Galapagos National Park entrance fee; Galapagos Transit Card; items of a personal nature such as alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, laundry, etc.; passport and visa expenses; travel insurance; gratuities to ship staff and crew are left to the discretion of the passenger; travel health insurance (required to enter Ecuador); fuel surcharge may apply.

Airfare between Quito/Guayaquil and the Galapagos Islands:The flights between mainland Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil) and the Galapagos Islands are an additional cost. To secure your seats on often overbooked flights, ExpeditionTrips must reserve these flights for you at the time of cruise booking. Approximate cost (including service fee): $500-$700 per adult; $350-$450 per child under 12 (copy of passport required).

Single Supplement Waived:Solo travelers pay no single supplement on select dates. Cabins limited. Offer applies to voyage only, based on availability, subject to change and may not be combined with any other discount or promotion.Applicable Dates:Jan-Nov Departures

Evolution (charter)

Overview : This 32-passenger vessel offers a mix of comfortable lounges, open decks, and private areas for those looking for a close experience with the surrounding environment. Preserving the smaller boat atmosphere, this vessel features an al fresco dining area and library. Amenities include a Jacuzzi, bar, sun and shade decks, air conditioning, boutique, and doctor's clinic. In combination with a very good education program, there is also recreational equipment such as kayaks and snorkeling gear.

Jeanine G.

Tucson, AZ Jan 2018

Galapagos Classic

Expedition Ship
Evolution (charter)

Above what I expected. The crew were very knowledgeable and helpful with a good sense of humor. The most memorable part was seeing all the animals and marine life. My favorites were the Blue-Footed and Red-Footed Boobies.

Mike & Allison M.

Ontario, Canada Jul 2016

Galapagos Classic

Expedition Ship
Evolution (charter)

This is our fourth trip with you.....you exceed expectations every time. You got us the fare we wanted and followed up on all the little details.
Great nature hikes. Excellent ship. Impeccable, luxury hotel. Smiling, kind people. Incredible customer service. Enjoyed swimming with sea lions. Three great naturalists and eighteen excellent crew. Everyone chips in to make it a one of the best trips we have ever taken.

Kim T.

Selangor, Malaysia Apr 2016

Galapagos Classic – Western

Expedition Ship
Evolution (charter)

Enjoy yourself and go all out to make news friends! The staff are professional. Highlight of the Galapagos: snorkeling with the penguins and sealions, giant tortoises, bird watching, and shore landings to the local town. The logistics, meals and accommodations were well organized.

Richard A.

Kingston, PA Feb 2016

Galapagos Classic – Western

Expedition Ship
Evolution (charter)

[The level of service was] very good, the staff ratios were excellent! I believe your descriptions on just about everything were spot on.

Chuck M.

Philadelphia, PA Aug 2014

Galapagos Classic

Expedition Ship
Evolution (charter)

ExpeditionTrips was always timely with factual information. No detail was too small to attend to. Good advice on choosing the right ship. Good communications with the shipping & hotel company - e.g. helped with the hotel setting up a family 50th anniversary dinner at the Hotel Ore Verde - a great event for all of us.
This trip was to celebrate my wife Susan's and my 50th wedding anniversary and it exceeded all our expectations!!! Our entire family - all 11 of us from 8 to 72 - loved it. We all figure this trip was the bench mark for future ones - no one knows how we will ever top it.

Having taken over 60 cruises and many other vacations - many with our family, like this time - this was the best family vacation ever. Start with the venue - Galapagos: beyond expectations in natural beauty, excitement, and wonderful moments. The ship (the M.V. Evolution) was a great jumping off point - it is comfortable and spacious, and had a warm and friendly atmosphere. The staff was always looking out for the passengers. You've been snorkeling - they clean and dry your wet suit. You get out of the hot tub, or while in it - they give you a cup hot chocolate. You like a certain beer or wine with dinner, and they have it for you. They made our 11 year old grand daughter's birthday most memorable. The naturalists - starting with the tour director, Bolivar Sanchez, were incomparable. Their knowledge, their caring attitude, and humor were just great! We'd take them anytime!

All requests for cancellation must be received in writing. Cancellation penalties are based on the number of days prior to departure that the cancellation was received and are subject to change without notice. Custom journeys may have different times. We strongly suggest you obtain trip cancellation insurance. Failure to secure a valid passport, visa, or air arrangements does not waive this policy.

Cancellation Penalties Per Person: (Except Holidays & Cuba)90 days or more: $300*89-61 days: 50% of the full program cost60 to 0 days: 100% of the full program cost

Cancellation Penalties Per Person: [Holiday Departures (Christmas, New Years, and Easter) and Cuba]90 days or more: $300*89 to 0 days: 100% of the full program cost

*If you cancel 90 or more days prior to departure, you will be issued a travel certificate good for a $300 reduction in the cost of a future journey.

Please note that a Medical Form signed by your doctor may be required for participation in certain trips.